New Year’s Eve events calendar

On New Year’s Eve, Honolulu is at its best, bright with holiday decorations and eager to please, with parties from north to south sides of the island. Our calendar of New Year’s Eve events provides plenty of options, from a celebration for keiki at noon at the Children’s Discovery Center to “Mahermageddon,” an explosion of straight talk from sharp-tongued commentator Bill Maher. Worthy of note:

>> The New Year’s Eve “Party of the Year” returns to Aloha Tower Marketplace this year, on the heels of the center’s repurposing as a residential center for Hawaii Pacific University students. Students will have a harbor-side view of the midnight fireworks, along with live music, DJs and an Eat the Street food truck rally.

>> Luxe new rooftop club Sky Waikiki hosts its first New Year’s Eve celebration, a Masquerade Ball, giving guests the opportunity to come in masks, perhaps channeling their inner Venetian.

>> Over at The Modern Honolulu, in addition to a poolside party, the Addiction Nightclub pays tribute to New York with a ball drop and high expectations.

>> At the Kahala Hotel & Resort, revels will take place oceanside, in the Maile Ballroom and near the pool, with live music, a DJ, dancing and dining.

>> Turtle Bay Resort hosts two parties: a solo show by loose Philly bluesman G. Love at Surfer, the Bar; and an island-music masquerade with Nesian N.I.N.E. at the Kuilima Ballroom.

Whether you’ve enjoyed a banner year or are counting down till the dawn of a new day, New Year’s Eve offers the prospect of celebration.

NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS

Our rundown of events on Oahu:

FIREWORKS

Waikiki: The Waikiki Improvement Association presents a free 10- to 12-minute show by Grucci, launching from a barge off Waikiki at 11:55 p.m. and viewable all along Waikiki Beach. Tune in to Hawaiian 105 KINE FM for synchronized music. 923-1094, waikiki­improvement.com

Aloha Tower Marketplace: New Year’s Eve Party of the Year: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. (show starts at 7). A 15-minute midnight fireworks show, hourly firework salutes from 9 p.m., recording artist Tenelle, DJ Walshy Fire of Major Lazer and an Eat the Street food truck rally top a night of live entertainment and food at the sixth annual event. Entertainment areas will also feature PeniDean, Kaipo Kapua, the Late Onez and other music acts, DJs, fire dancers and mechanical bull rides. Restaurants Gordon Biersch, Hooters and Nashville Waikiki add to the options for food and live music (funk/disco, alt rock, country and classic rock). Admission: $40, $75 fast pass, $150 VIP (ages 21+). nyehawaii.com

Kahala: The Kahala Hotel & Resort offers music-synchronized fireworks at midnight at Waialae Beach as part of its Kahala Countdown oceanfront fete, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. in the Maile Ballroom and pool area. Live music by local band HonuGruv (soul, funk, R&B, Motown, hip-hop), food stations, a DJ and dance floor round out the celebration. $80-$150. Private-cabana packages: $500. Guests who dine during second seating (8:30-10 p.m.) at Plumeria Beach House (special buffet, $190) and Hoku’s (special five-course, prix-fixe menu, $250) will receive access to The Kahala Countdown. Reservations: 739-8760, restaurants@kahalaresort.com. kahalaresort.com

PARTIES & SHOWS

New Year’s at Noon: Children’s party at the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center in Kakaako, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Create a festive party hat and noisemakers and ring in the new year with a countdown and balloon drop. $6-$10. Free parking. 524-KIDS, discoverycenterhawaii.org

Hilton Hawaiian Village: New Year’s Revue 2015, 7 p.m.-12:15 a.m. in the Coral Ballroom. A four-course filet mignon and lobster dinner, entertainment by Na Hoku-winning trio Maunalua and Japanese comedian/singer Corokke, and dancing to surf-rock band Dukes of Surf. $220-$245 for Hawaii residents with ID, $255-$285 others (includes half-bottle champagne, one beverage, taxes and service charge). All ages. 947-7954

Tiki’s Grill & Bar: Tiki Drop 2016 New Year’s Eve Party offers two live bands, a DJ, dancing and a view of the Waikiki fireworks, 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Ages 21+. $20 cover, $10-$15 presale. VIP tables for four available. eventbrite.com, tikisgrill.com, 923-8454

“Mahermageddon,” with Bill Maher: 7:30 p.m. at Blaisdell Concert Hall. The comedian and “Real Time” host returns for his fifth straight New Year’s show, this year with David Spade and Jeff Ross. $45.50-$95.50. ticketmaster.com, 866-448-7849

Buho Cocina y Cantina: NYE Midnight Kiss rooftop celebration features music by DJ Min One, a four-course prix-fixe menu, hosted bar, champagne toast and view of fireworks; 8 p.m.-2 a.m., Waikiki Shopping Plaza. Ages 21+. $50-$175 presale. VIP group packages from $800. buhocantina.com

The Block New Year’s Eve 2016 with Ty Dolla $ign: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at The Republik. The hip-hop artist/producer headlines this party presented by BAMP Project, The District and Bomb 102.7, also featuring local hip-hop act Broke Mokes and DJs Delve and Hapa Boy; $30-$55 advance at flavorus.com and 855-235-2867 (all ages accompanied by an adult). The official after-party (ages 21+) follows downstairs at The District Nightclub, featuring Ty Dolla $ign’s DJ Dre Sinatra, host Micah Banks and DJ Osnizzle; 10 p.m.-4 a.m.; free entry to everyone 21+ from The Republik.

The Modern Honolulu:

>> Poolside: “Hawaii. Next.” party: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Lucky-food stations, live music and a DJ performance and complimentary champagne toast to ring in the new year. $107; $177 including the hotel’s Lucky 7 dinner, seven courses featuring seven universally auspicious foods, served 5:30-8:30 p.m. Daybed packages available. themodernhonolulu.com/holidays2015

>> Addiction Nightclub: Addiction Square NYE, 10 p.m.-3 a.m., will celebrate New York style with a ball drop, dancing and DJs. $60 cover, $40 presale (includes VIP champagne reception 10-11 p.m.). VIP table packages available. Ages 21+. themodernhonolulu.com/holidays2015

Sky Waikiki: New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball, 8 p.m. The scenic rooftop nightclub celebrates with masks (recommended), sounds by DJ Toma, passed hors d’oeuvres, a hosted bar featuring Grey Goose cocktails and a complimentary Veuve Clicquot champagne toast at midnight. $125, $225 VIP (premium food and bottle service). Ages 21+. Reservations: 979-7591 or email vip@skywaikiki.com. Validated parking. skywaikiki.com

Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand: The NYE16 Balls Drop goes off 8 p.m.-2 a.m., with music by DJs Bvby G and KSM and countdown queen Miss Candi Shell. $20 advance. Ages 21+. Bottle service and VIP packages available; email NYE@hulas.com or text 375-8440 or 291-8701. 923-0669, hulas.com

New Year’s Eve Latin Gala: 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Fleet Reserve Association, 891 Valkenburg St. (corner of Nimitz Highway). Family-friendly fiesta with live music by the Latin Amigos and guests Stanley Robley (California) and Wally Rita (Kauai), a Latin dance showcase, appetizers, party favors, champagne toast at midnight, a no-host bar and surprises. $25, $20 advance, free for children 10 and younger. 285-0072, hispaniceventshawaii.com

Salsamor New Year’s Eve party: The weekly Latin dancing night with DJ Rod rings in the new year with salsa, bachata, merengue and cha-cha; 8 p.m.-midnight at Ginza Nightclub, 1230 Kona St. $10 cover (includes one drink and dance lesson at 8 p.m.). Ages 21+. Dress code. 387-9164, luxesalsa.com

Turtle Bay Resort:

>> G. Love at Surfer, the Bar: 7 p.m.-2 a.m. (show starts at 8). Garrett Dutton, frontman of G. Love & Special Sauce, gives an acoustic, foot-stomping show of blues with special guests on his Love Saves the Day Hawaii tour. $85 (includes heavy pupu and champagne toast at midnight). Ages 21+. dovepresents.com, surferthebar.com

>> Masquerade New Year’s Eve Party with Nesian N.I.N.E.: 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m., Kuilima Ballroom. Buffet dinner, dancing to live music by the island soul/R&B/reggae crooners (taking the stage at 10 p.m.) and a live DJ. Cocktail attire. $109.48 (includes service charge, tax); $35 for show only. turtlebayresort.com

Anna O’Brien’s: Live music by Fat Jesus, celebrating its EP release, plus party favors, bubbly toast at midnight and drink specials; 9 p.m. (doors open at 8). Ages 21+. $5 cover. 946-5190, fb.com/annaobriensclub

New Year’s Eve Lux at The Trump Casino Royale: A black-tie fete by Lux VIP Events, Belvedere and Moet & Chandon with music by DJs Bikini and Misc, casino games and midnight celebration; 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m., Trump International Hotel. $125-$250 (includes pupus, beverages, party favor, tax and gratuity). VIP bottle service and tables from $895. Dress code (black-tie, gown/party dress). Ages 21+. luxatthetrump.com

Sheraton Waikiki’s Night Circus party: with DJs Mike D, Evil One, Jem and Technique spinning Top 40 hits, Maleko and Miss Chanel, go-go dancers, fire breathers, aerialists, a view of the Waikiki Beach fireworks and more, 8:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m. at RumFire, Helumoa Pool and the Infinity Edge Pool. Ages 21+. Dress to impress. Tickets: $100, $50 after midnight Jan. 1. 550-8457 or honoluluboxoffice.com. Four-hour complimentary validated parking. VIP packages available at rumfirewaikiki.com or 271-1728.

Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s Pink Party: 8:30 p.m. on the Ocean Lawn and at the beachfront Mai Tai Bar, will feature a royal masquerade theme, live entertainment and buffet line. $100 (includes two champagne tastings); $50 for children 5-12. Guests dining at Azure Restaurant (offering a prix-fixe menu, $250-$275, with limited seatings at 5:30 and 9:15 p.m.) will receive access to the party. 921-4600

Medici’s: Roaring ’20s party with Dana Land, 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m., in Manoa Marketplace. Bohemians, bootleggers, flappers and swells can dance the night away to Jazz Age entertainment by vocalist Land, Pierre Grill, Ambrose Splescia, Alika Lyman and Von Baron, with dinner by chef Tim Stanton, champagne and a costume contest with cash prize. $100. Reservations: 351-0901. medicismanoa.com

Hawaiian Brian’s: J.P. Smoketrain’s All Stars ring in the new year with live blues, R&B, jazz and soul music, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. in The Studio. $25, $20 presale. 254-3364

53 by the Sea: New Year’s Eve Countdown 2016, from 9 p.m. Jordan Segundo and Nueva Vida featuring Rocky Brown entertain with danceable music at the Kakaako waterfront restaurant, offering views of the Waikiki fireworks and a midnight champagne toast, included in tickets ($100 presale). Bottle service and VIP private-room packages available. Ages 21+. Cocktail attire. Valet parking only. Reservations: 783-3403, tony@53bythesea.com, fb.com/53bythesea

Halekulani: Swing Under the Stars, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. The oceanfront Kawehewehe Lawn will feature live music by the Hawaii Pops orchestra and dancing. The hotel’s restaurants — House Without a Key, Orchids and La Mer — will be offering special dinners, $44-$450. Lewers Lounge will offer live jazz, with Maggie Herron and a two-piece band performing contemporary jazz 6-8 p.m. and the Noel Okimoto Quartet playing Latin-infused jazz 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. A special menu will be offered with the first drink at $25. Reservations: 923-2311. halekulani.com

Longhi’s: Owner Charlie Longhi and his seven-piece band the Funk-A-Holics perform high-energy funk, rock and soul music 10 p.m.-2 a.m. for dancing, and the Italian restaurant serves a special five-course dinner 9-11 p.m. ($90, includes party favors). Classic menu served 5-8 p.m. Midnight fireworks viewable. Cover: $15. Bottle service available. Reservations: 947-9899, longhis.com

Prohibition at M Nightclub: Roaring ’20s fete featuring S.K.A.M. Artist DJ Fred Matters, a balloon drop, complimentary champagne toast, view of the fireworks, party favors and Grey Goose and Budweiser drink specials; 9 p.m.-4 a.m., Waterfront Plaza aka Restaurant Row. $60 at the door, $40 presale at flavorus.com. Ages 21+. VIP packages from $400 (group of four). mnlhnl.com, 529-0010

St. Andrew’s New Year’s Eve Organ Concert and Blessing of the City: Featuring organist John Renke, performing Alexandre Guilmant’s Fifth Sonata for Organ, and a sung Eucharist by the Diocesan Choir; 10:15 p.m., Cathedral of St. Andrew. Free; calabash offering. 524-2822, ext. 217; thecathedralofstandrew.org

CRUISES

Dolphin Star: Cocktail & Fireworks cruise along the Waikiki coastline with live Hawaiian entertainment, views from the catamaran’s two decks, party favors and a welcome champagne toast; 10:30 p.m.-12:15 a.m., departing from Kewalo Basin. Ages 21+. $79. Reservations: 983-7827, starofhonolulu.com

Atlantis Navatek: Live entertainment, a view of the Waikiki fireworks, appetizers and drinks; 10:30 p.m.-12:45 a.m. (check-in at 10), departing from Pier 6 at Aloha Tower Marketplace. $173. Reservations: 973-1311, atlantisadventures.com

Star of Honolulu: Three gourmet dinner options, live entertainment and view of fireworks; 10:15 p.m.-12:30 a.m., departing from Pier 8 at Aloha Tower Marketplace and traveling along the Waikiki coast, beyond Diamond Head to view the city lights and Kahala coast. Not recommended for children. $189-$255. Reservations: 983-7827, starofhonolulu.com